Monday, January 25, 2010

I took my first winter trip to Alaska in 1996. I had been to AK several times during the summer, with the endless daylight and relentless mosquitoes, but the winter offered the Alaska I had always imagined. My "must do" list included a trip to a sled dog kennel and a ride on a sled. I made arrangements to visit Iditarod veteran, Lynda Plettner and her amazing dogs at Plettner Kennels in Houston.

As luck would have it, I spent the 2 days prior to my kennel visit sick as a dog with the flu. To make matters worse, I also experienced my first and thus far, only, earthquake. I honestly thought I was hallucinating from high fever until I called the front desk of the hotel and they confirmed it was, indeed, a mild earthquake.

Meeting the dogs

The dogs were very affectionate until they heard the harnesses and went crazy with excitement.

"Pick me, pick me!"

I secured the sled while Lynda hooked up the team.

Getting final instructions from Lynda:"Keep your arms in the sled and your mouth shut!"

I thought she was being rude, telling me not to talk, but as I quickly realized, when the dogs started running, snow wasn't the only thing flying. They don't stop to do their "business", if you know what I mean.

The ride through the winter wonderland was magical and the rhythmic patter of paws on the snow was hypnotic.

This will always be one of my most memorable Alaska experiences.

I'll be returning to Alaska in March for my 2nd Iditarod (as a spectator and volunteer).

I have many exciting adventures planned (will give details in a future post), including the opportunity to drive a dog sled.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

United States (California) - A German shepherd hoisted to safety from the storm-swollen Los Angeles river Friday is fine, authorities said, but the firefighter who splashed down in the daring helicopter rescue was hospitalized after being bitten by the dog.

Joe St. Georges, a 25-year department veteran, suffered severe hand and arm injuries but was in good condition at County USC Medical Center Friday, said Los Angeles fire Capt. Steve Ruda."He has significant injuries, bites and punctures, to his hand and arm and is being seen by a specialist," Ruda said.

The dog, nicknamed Vernon after the Southern California town where he was found, did not have a name tag or computer chip, said Sgt. Charles Miller of the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority in Downey.The dog was quarantined to be monitored for rabies, but "appears to be well-maintained and cared for," Miller said.

At least 50 firefighters responded to reports that the dog was in the river. For an hour, firefighters stood at the top of the steep, concrete banks, throwing life vest and float rings, hoping the dog would grab on. Most of the time, the canine walked along a pipe or ledge in the center of the river, sometimes slipping. One firefighter got into the river and tried to catch him, but the dog took off. Soon the pipe was submerged.

When the helicopter hovered overhead, the dog scrambled to the side of the river and tried to climb the sides, only to slip each time.The 50-year-old St. Georges finally splashed down from the helicopter, wrestled with the frightened canine and lifted it to safety.

At a late afternoon news conference, helicopter pilot Scott Bowman said St. Georges took a muzzle with him but he wasn't able to get it on, "so he decided to go for the capture."Miller said the dog had some scrapes and worn nails, but was otherwise fine."He was fearful when he first got here, understandably. He went through a big ordeal," Miller said.

The dog will be quarantined for 10 days, unless the owner shows up with proof of rabies vaccination, Miller said. Then, the dog could be monitored at home. If the owner doesn't show up, officials will try to find the dog a new home.Storms that started Monday have already dropped up to 8 inches of rain in Los Angeles County, the National Weather Service reported.(Associated Press)

Thursday, January 21, 2010

A pack of coyotes frequently visits our property. Although we've never seen them, they serenade us with their yip-yap howls. While the dogs find this activity upsetting, I find the coyotes' mournful cry beautiful and mesmerizing.

I realize many people consider coyotes pests and a danger to society, but I admire the coyotes' adaptability. They have managed to survive despite conflicts with man, including habitat encroachment.

I shot the video from our deck at 12:30 AM. If you listen carefully, you can hear Sassy getting the last word, as usual.

I love this song, performed by Don Edwards. You might recognize it from the ending of Grizzly Man, the story of Timothy Treadwell.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

This picture was taken six months before Daddy died of a massive heart attack, at age 52. This past Thursday, January 14, marked the 30th anniversary of his death. I will always remember Daddy as young, happy and full of life and laughter.

Monday, January 11, 2010

I bought her in 1975 while living on campus at the The University of Georgia.

When I visited the breeder another girl was there who wanted Brandy.

The girl was also living on campus and wanted the breeder to hold the pup for two weeks until the quarter ended. The breeder was moving and needed to sell Brandy ASAP, so I bought her and successfully kept her hidden for two weeks.

Followers

Compassionate Shopping

I taught primary school for 27 years, and loved every minute of it. I am now enjoying retirement on 30+ acres in the north Georgia mountains with my husband and Labrador Retrievers.
When we aren't hanging out in the woods, we enjoy traveling in our RV w/ the dogs. One of our favorite destinations is the Pacific Northwest, especially the Oregon and Washington coasts.
My parents are deceased, I am an only child and have no children; therefore, my husband and dogs are my family.
My blog and blogging friends have taken the place of my classroom and students.
You could say, I've gone from SCHOOL DAYS to DOG DAZE.

Iditarod Trail Comm. Dog Handler Class

Sled Dog Kissses

2010 Iditarod Restart

Iditarod Restart ~2009

Idita-Sista, Jan!

Congrats to Matt, 2014 Yukon Quest Rookie of Year, Vets' and Spirit of North Awards and 3rd Place

Yukon River, South of Eagle, AK~ 1996

"I expect to pass through the world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any creature, let me do it now.. Let me not defer it, for I shall not pass this way again." Stephen Grellet (1773-1855)